Indian football is growing and will soon put up a big fight: Bengaluru FC’s Perez
Having joined Bengaluru FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) in the transfer window after playing for Sporting Gijon in La Liga, Spain’s top division, Spanish midfielder Pablo Perez seems to have quickly adapted to his new environment.
Having joined Bengaluru FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) in the transfer window after playing for Sporting Gijon in La Liga, Spain’s top division, Spanish midfielder Pablo Perez seems to have quickly adapted to his new environment.
The Blues have had a start-stop season in the ongoing campaign as they sit eighth in the league table with 10 points, collecting only three wins while being eight points off the top six. And Perez’s signing hands them a major boost in their pursuit to reach the playoffs. With his ability to perform in a versatile manner, the midfielder could be an X-factor with his creative spark.
This is Perez’s first stint outside of Spain. The midfielder joined Sporting Gijon’s youth academy in 2011 and worked his way up to the first team. He moved to AD Alarcon during the 2016-17 season in the Segunda Division. Perez has featured in Bengaluru FC’s last two matches, playing 31 minutes in total and has looked livelier when on the pitch.
He's only been in the city for two weeks, but Pablo Pérez seems to have become one with Namma Ooru in no time.
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) December 21, 2022
BFC TV caught up with the Spaniard, who spoke about his time as a Blue so far, what he looks to bring to the side and more. #WeAreBFC #NewBlue pic.twitter.com/4FoAmM3mEi
“I am enjoying the team and the city. The teammates are good with me, and the staff is helping me adapt to the country," Perez told BFC TV in an interview.
Perez said his teammates and staff members have helped him adapt to the country and new surroundings, and he also heaped praise on the growing football culture in India.
“It is easy for me to adapt because of my Spanish teammate Javi Hernandez. The football here is different and the league is only a few years old, Indian football is growing up and in a few years they are going to fight with the big countries,” he stated.
“Bengaluru FC have great players like captain Sunil Chhetri,” he added.
Bengaluru FC head coach Grayson earlier revealed he consulted Victor Orta, the Technical Director at Leeds United before signing Perez and mentioned that the midfielder’s versatility played a big part in getting him on board.
“I like to play with the ball from box to box, and I like to play like a 10 or an eight in midfield or even attack while arriving in the opposition's box," expressed Perez while talking about the football he plays and how his style will only be suitable for and favour his new club.
Perez was heads over heels while speaking about the electric atmosphere at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium and the support from the Bengaluru FC fans. Perez was happy that the fans were excited about his recruitment, and he wishes to get their continued support throughout the season, which has been full of ups and downs.
The Spaniard said that experiencing football for the first time outside of Spain has been brilliant and aims to achieve great things with Bengaluru FC and end the season on a rather positive note.
“The atmosphere was amazing and I loved it. The fans were very excited, and I hope that they continue to support us in the way they are doing it,” Perez said.
“It is brilliant for me because it is my first time outside Spain and I want to do great things in India," concluded Perez.